“
i know how it feels. if i can create a
better situation for others and make a difference in the world, that’s what theatre
the rainbow to march in the Homecoming parade. The departments of Music, Human Performance and Physical Education, Counselor Education, and Student Life also sponsored events. "When I chose to do this play, the Supreme Court was several months away from its ruling on marriage equality. Whatever the justices ruled, I knew it would make for a timely and relevant work of theatre. With the Court's historic decision, our production is clearly a celebration of love, laughter, and equality," Taylor said.
- Nicholas Harlan
A large audience of campus and community members attended Taylor’s Faculty Lecture, “The Art of Making a Difference: Theatre and Social Change.” “Art matters,” he said. “When an audience member steps into the theatre, a real moment for opportunity and change can occur. If art can transform on the personal level, it can transform society.” He sees theatre as a venue for expressing the need for social justice and activism. “I encourage my students to expand their view on what theatre does.
If you are not trying to change the status quo, you are supporting the status quo.”
opposite page: During the Equality Project’s ice cream social, faculty, staff, and students don the colors of the rainbow to symbolize a commitment to equality. clockwise from bottom right: • In the one-act Strange Fruit, Nicholas Harlan (left) and John-Christian Maheu portray a couple whose happiness was destroyed by violent prejudice. • Jordan Hannebaum gives an extended monologue in the one-act The Gay Agenda. • Dr. John Taylor, professor of theatre, welcomes the audience to a forum addressing The Impact of Religious Exemption Laws, with special guests from One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Coloradans and their families. • Opening night of the Gay Marriage Plays concluded with the wedding on stage of Dr. Beez Schell (left), chair of the Human Performance & Physical Education Department, and Stephanie Cramblet, Manager of Enterprise Applications Systems in ASU Computing Services. Several other couples also renewed their vows on stage.
aStater great stories
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